Island Shangri-La

BACKGROUND Hong Kongbased Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has more than 85 properties across Asia-PaciÀc, (urope, North America and the Middle East. In Hong Kong itself there are two Shangri-La properties — Kowloon Shangri-La and Island Shangri-La.

WHAT’S IT LIKE Opulent. A hexagonal carpet with a large Áower vase welcomes you to the lobby. High ceilings with light installations hanging from the ceiling like exaggerated rain drops add su΀cient glamour. There is a grand staircase with a handrail made of solid timber that’s specially crafted in Thailand. Evident attention to detail paid in the hotel’s design — picture warm colours with traditional Oriental artwork amidst European sophistication. Around 779 Austrian chandeliers are placed across the hotel. Large murals behind the staircase depicting nature bring to life birds and Áowers. Unmissable is the Chinese painting in the Atrium created by 40 artists from the Beijing Arts and Crafts Research Institute — The Great Motherland of China — that measures 51 metres by 14 metres. There are 917 paintings across

Island Shangri-La — a paradise for those who fancy a little bit of art when they travel. WHERE IS IT Next to PaciÀc Place mall, above Admiralty MTR Station. The hotel is in a bustling commercial and Ànancial district of Hong Kong.

ROOM FACILITIES Categories start from Deluxe Harbour View rooms (44 sqm) and Deluxe Peak View rooms (41 sqm). Hori]on Club Áoor rooms (from level 52-level 55) are divided as Horizon Harbour View room and Horizon Peak View room. The luxe allure of the rest of the property reÁects in the rooms as well. I was welcomed with Chinese tea, some fruits and a box of chocolates in my Horizon Harbour View room on the 53rd Áoor, that overlooks the cityscape and Harbour. A chandelier in this fully carpeted room brings out an old-world charm in a fairly contemporary space. Bose speakers sit on the work-desk that is a large wooden area with a rolling leather chair. I enjoyed working there alongside some coͿee prepared from the nespresso machine Àtted in my room, next to the minibar (guests of Horizon Club Áoor rooms have free access to the minibar). Floral cushions add warmth to the room decorated in shades of muted gold, beige and oͿ white. The washroom with L’Occitane amenities has an inbuilt television in front of the bath tub and there is also a separate shower area with rain shower. A mirror lined with golden carving elevates the washroom’s richness. As a resident of the Horizon Club Áoor room, I had access to a number of facilities including the Horizon Club Lounge on the 56th Áoor with cocktail hour along with canapps, breakfast buͿet and tea coͿee thorough the day, free internet and butler service. I spent a lot of time here in the evening, gazing at the city lights go up as the sun went down. RESTAURANTS AND BARS

It’s a gourmet’s paradise with eight restaurants and bars, including the Michelin-starred Summer Palace (Cantonese). For authentic French, visit Restaurant Petrus, Nadaman for exceptional Japanese, :aterside Terrace for lip-smacking Thai, Lobster Bar and Grill for delicious seafood grill. Cafe TOO (international), Lobby Lounge (all-day) and Island Gourmet (patisserie) are casual dining outlets at the hotel. BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Level Àve has the Island Ballroom (645 sqm) that can be divided into three parts and Àts up to 800 guests. The Atrium Rooms and six function rooms can accommodate 200 delegates.

LEISURE FACILITIES A 24-hour Àtness centre, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, sauna and steam rooms, Solarium for tanning and outdoor swimming pool.

VERDICT Splendour in the centre of the city. One of the best options for the discerning business traveller. It’s deÀnitely an experience more than just a hotel stay.